Meet Our Teaching Faculty

Born and raised in San Francisco, Mark Abdilla discovered his passion for guitar at the age of 13. He earned a B.A. in music from San Francisco State University and an Associate Arts degree from the College of San Mateo. From the classical compositions of J.S. Bach to the raw energy of hard rock, Mark has embraced the diverse range of the guitar throughout his musical journey. Initially, Mark performed with rock bands in San Francisco before venturing to Hollywood, where he became part of a band that frequented the local club scene. However, a transformative trip to Andalusia, Spain in 2004 ignited his fascination with Flamenco guitar, which has since become his primary focus. While specializing in Flamenco, Mark is also proficient in various Latin styles including Brazilian, Cuban, and Spanish classical. Additionally, his repertoire spans all eras of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, funk, and jazz. Mark has been a regular performer and instructor, captivating audiences and students alike with his dynamic approach to music. He has maintained a consistent presence in Europe and Mexico since 2000, showcasing his musical prowess internationally.

Mark’s teaching philosophy places a premium on his students’ enjoyment and engagement, whether in private lessons or classroom settings. By integrating songs that deeply resonate with each student, he fosters the organic development of technical proficiency and skills, transforming the learning journey into a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Daniel Avina is a guitarist with 15-plus years of experience who grew up playing rock and was introduced to baroque, classical, and romantic music at a young age through various teachers. He continued to study this classical repertoire for guitar for several years under Stuart Greene at the University of Redlands until he was swept up by the Bay Area to continue his education at San Francisco State University in music education. Unable to finish his degree due to some health problems, he took time off and found comfort in writing music and pursuing audio production on his own.

Daniel is now concurrently enrolled at Berklee School of Music on the path to completing a degree in Songwriting and Composition. He is taking lessons from master jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Robb Cappalletto, who has been on faculty at York University since 2007. Daniel has taken ‘buffet style’ from all his mentors in rock, classical, and jazz, and prefers an incremental goal-oriented teaching style that helps motivate students to implement their own form of self-discipline and understanding of the art of music. “Forever a student” is a motto he lives by and believes in – that and “Rock on!”

Daniel teaches private lessons and group classes at Fort Mason on Mondays and Wednesdays and private lessons at Mission Bay on Tuesdays. He’s available for lessons on guitar, bass, and ukulele.

Kent Brown was a professional actor, singer, and guitarist in Atlanta and the Southeast for 11 years. Kent’s musical career started at age five when his dad taught him how to play the riff to “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” He was quite proud of his newfound skill and wanted to show it off, which he did soon after at show-and-tell in kindergarten. When he tried to tell his audience that he also wrote the song, his fraudulence was quickly exposed by the school’s music teacher, who was also in attendance. That was Kent’s first and last attempt at plagiarism, he is proud to say.

 

Since those scandalous days, Kent has performed with a number of cover bands and original bands of all genres.  An instructor at Blue Bear since 2000, Kent teaches group lessons in all levels of acoustic guitar as well as private lessons in acoustic and electric guitar, ukulele, and bass – at Fort Mason and online.

 

• “Prior to his class, I had never touched a guitar. I joined as a student in my mid-30s, and Kent’s patience and natural ability to teach (any level) have proven to be my musical lighthouse.” – David K.
• “From the beginning, Kent has listened to my aspirations, and my lessons have been based on my specific goals. Not only is he is a highly skilled musician, Kent is a fantastic teacher!” – Alicia C.
• “Learning to play a new instrument as an adult can be intimidating, but Kent creates a very relaxed and supportive environment that makes learning fun and enjoyable. With his tips and tricks, I was able to play my favorite songs in just a few months!” – Jaclyn H.
• “He is an outstanding teacher: extremely skilled with an enormous breadth of experience; fun and engaging; patient and encouraging.” – Jeremy K.
• “Kent takes the time to explain everything in plain language so that the whole class understands. He focuses each week’s lesson around a song that incorporates a new chord or technique (usually music that most people know – Beatles, Stones, REM, Pixies, Eagles, etc) which I find is a great way to learn.” – Dan S.
• “With all the knowledge I have learned from Kent, I have been able to write my own songs and play at open mic. I highly recommend you study guitar with him.” – Yuchun C.

Gabe Cohen is a San Francisco-based singer-songwriter, producer, and DJ. He has over 15 years of experience playing music, with proficiency in guitar, drums, bass, piano, vocals, and more. He mostly performs under the alias “Karl Havok,” a folk- and punk-based project he’s been working on since 2020. He studied English at Tulane University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2022. While at Tulane, he played in many New Orleans bands such as Sympathy Wizard, Hooligan Dutch, Sage, and more. Since graduating, Gabe has focused on his solo material such as Karl Havok, and his electronic music and DJ endeavors. Gabe was a student at School of Rock in his youth and later went on to teach and direct summer camps at the same school. 

Gabe teaches band workshops and private lessons at SoMa on Mondays and group classes and private lessons at Mission Bay on Wednesdays. He’s available for private lessons at both locations on guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, DJing, and electronic music, and also for drum lessons at SoMa on Monday afternoons.

Greg Dayton is a singer/songwriter/guitarist and recording artist for Ropeadope Records with three critically acclaimed solo albums, featuring New York’s finest musicians and producers. He was inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame in 2016 and is a lover of all acoustic and electric blues styles from Mississippi John Hurt and Robert Johnson to Freddie King as well as classic rock artists and songwriters from James Taylor to Steely Dan. He has a B.A. from Harvard University and a Performance degree from Berklee College of Music and over 30 years of experience performing and teaching in the US and Spain. He relocated to Sausalito in 2020 after 18 years in NYC where he mentored students who went on to attend music programs at leading boarding schools and colleges including Berklee, Princeton, and more. He enjoys working with students of all ages who are passionate about music. Greg also plays piano, bass, harmonica, ukelele, and mandolin.

Greg teaches private lessons and group classes at Fort Mason on Thursdays. He’s available for lessons on guitar, bass, mandolin, harmonica, and ukulele.

Sam Edelman was born in San Francisco and grew up in a musically conducive household – his dad is a jazz pianist and his mom is an avid music lover. As a child, he was captivated and thrilled by musicians’ abilities to create the sounds and sonic universes that he was experiencing. From an early age, he loved the guitar, and fortuitously his family owned a Spanish, nylon-string acoustic. And so, around the age of five, began Sam’s musical evolution.

While growing up, Sam studied with Tom Finch, Alex Degrassi, and Mimi Fox (among others). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at UC Berkeley in 2015, studying with many more wonderful and influential teachers, including Michael Goldberg (classical guitar), Jeff Massanari (jazz guitar), Myra Melford, Glenn Richman, Richard Taruskin, and Karen Rosenak. Sam resides in San Francisco and is actively teaching, performing, composing, and recording. 

Spencer Layne is a 24-year-old professional multi-instrumentalist musician/producer with 14 years of experience. His resume includes sold-out performances at The SF Fillmore, Santa Ana Observatory, and Catalyst Santa Cruz, opening for Green Day, and a Hollywood-recorded debut album with his band Carpool Tunnel. Spencer graduated with a B.A. in Guitar Performance from Berklee College of Music and intends to continue dedicating his time and energy to all things music.

Spencer teaches private lessons, band workshops, and group classes at Fort Mason and is Blue Bear’s All Star Band director. He’s available for lessons on guitar, bass, drums, voice, and ukulele.

J.T. Locke has been playing guitar, writing, and arranging songs for over 25 years. He has recorded and performed across the country for over ten years and has taught professionally since 2007.  J.T. trained at the PCC Music program in Portland and M.I.T in Los Angeles. He has played, performed, and recorded with many great musicians, including The Wildhearts, Genitortures, Gilby Clarke (GNR), Dizzy Reed (GNR), CC Deville (Poison), Ryan Roxie (Alice Cooper), Slim Jim Phantom (The Stray Cats), Greg D’Angelo (White Lion), Dee Dee Ramone (The Ramones), Guttermouth, Eric Dover (Jellyfish), Rex Brown (Pantera), and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath).

 

J.T. has given private instruction and personal tutoring to students of all ages in rock, jazz, classical, blues, metal, pop, and other styles, on both guitar and bass.  He has developed and worked with lots of youth programs, helping students create, learn and perform all types of music.  Teaching levels range from beginner to advanced.  He has had great success teaching songwriting and composition, and also instructs students how to utilize their own ear for training.  Each student learns all the tools, techniques, and theory to help write and create.  This allows each student to maximize their own potential and develop their own style.

 

His current band is Deathtrap America, which is recording their next album and performing all over the Bay Area.  J.T. teaches online private lessons in guitar, bass, and ukulele, and group guitar classes.

 

• “J.T. has been awesome to work with! Part drill sergeant, cheerleader, spiritual guru, fashion police and now great friend he has given me musical knowledge and ability way beyond my expectations!” – Alan N.

A full-time musician since 1995, Richard Michos shares his extensive expertise of all aspects of guitar techniques with students beginning to advanced.  He has performed extensively, locally and internationally, and is an established studio player and music producer.  Originally inspired by classic rock, his education includes music composition and technology degrees from UC San Diego, and he studied jazz guitar at Berklee College of Music in Boston and with virtuoso Tuck Andress.

 

As a music producer, he has recorded albums for record labels such as Universal, Hearts of Space, Sony Music, and City of Tribes. He is well versed in music from India, as well as other world music styles. In recording, Richard specializes in fusing traditional melodic forms with modern grooves and instrumentation.  His album credits include the groups Shabaz, Georges Lammam, and Riffat Sultana (available on iTunes) who have been reviewed with stars by Billboard and highly rated on world music radio charts.  His music has also been featured on NPR, as well as in Rhythm and Folk Roots magazines. In addition, he has worked with artists including Quincy Jones, Narada Michael Walden, Richard Bona, Cheb Khaled, and has performed at venues such as the Greek Theatre LA, Montreal Jazz Festival, LA’s Grand Performances, and “We are the Future” in Rome. Richard’s solo performances display a rich tapestry of sound and influences, playing a mix of pop, international, latin, light jazz, and classic rock styles.

 

Richard is available for private lessons (at Fort Mason on Mondays, online on Tuesdays and other days) in guitar, ukulele, bass, and beginning piano, and also teaches group ukulele.  He enjoys teaching adult students of all levels and loves to work with kids and teenagers as well. His teaching methods include using songs that students like as a vehicle for learning about playing techniques and music structure.

 

“I love to teach music to all ages and have taught hundreds of people. Every student is different, and I can guide each toward their musical goals. I am a clear, patient, and understanding teacher who is able to meet you where you are on your musical journey, and assist you in expanding your knowledge and mastery of music and the instrument. Usually having a whole lot of fun along the way!” – Richard

 

• “Richard has been teaching my son ukulele and electric guitar for over a year. Richard is a fantastic guitar player and a great teacher. He has a knack for knowing what will keep the child interested and engaged and is willing to be flexible to make sure that his students develop a passion. My son has gone from dreading practice to not having enough hours in the day to play to his heart’s content. He now wants to be a professional guitar player!”

Kevin Mullane graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a B.A. in Music.  He has taught students of all ages and levels in Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, focusing on the individual student’s development of the skills necessary to enjoy playing the music they love. He has been a performing musician for many years and currently plays guitar and sings lead vocals with the Bay Area bands System 9 and The Nakano Jazz Quintet.

 

Kevin teaches private lessons (at Fort Mason, SoMa, and online) in electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, voice, and ukulele, group classes, and band classes, using song suggestions from students as a vehicle to learn about chords, melody, rhythm, song structure, and technique. Students can explore theory, harmony, and composition in a variety of styles, including rock, jazz, blues, soul, funk, folk, and more.  He encourages students to play music on their own, jam with friends, or perform with a band. Whether you want to pursue music professionally or simply develop your skills and have fun, Kevin offers all levels of instruction.

 

Janak Ramachandran has been playing guitar for the better part of four decades and teaching it for more than 20 years.  His acoustic guitar technique is designed to progressively build the skills needed to become a one-man or one-woman band.  With the use of songs specifically chosen for their instructive value, Janak’s teaching approach can take you from your first notes and chords to the complex rhythms, chord progressions, and scale knowledge that can make you a complete guitar player. Electric guitar shares many skills in common with the acoustic guitar, of course, but Janak’s electric approach includes more tailored skill building with regards to both the tools of phrasing (particularly as it applies to single-note lead work) and the aesthetic variety of different chord styles.  Since Janak also teaches voice and songwriting, he is a one-stop shop for anyone wanting to eventually sing and play together, whether learning to create their own music or interpreting the songs of others. 

 

Janak began his vocal training at the age of six and eventually studied more professionally following college in various styles including Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing.  By combining ideas from these and other vocal schools of thought (e.g., Alexander Technique), he forms his foundational vocal philosophy, upon which he layers his own technique.  He has had success coaching beginning students unable to match pitch to eventually perform on stage as well as guide professional singers in the studio when recording an album.  He has fronted (both with and without an instrument) numerous bands, performed in musicals as well as dramatic and comic stage plays, and developed an acting technique for singers and instrumentalists designed specifically for musicians performing on stage. In 2008, Janak’s band Bottoms Up! was the top cover band in a California battle of the bands competition.  His teaching credits include the children of Todd Rundgren and Linda Ronstadt as well as numerous local musicians in bands like Tainted Love and The Doorslammers, some of whom have studied with Janak for years.

 

Learn more about Janak at musiclessonguru.com.  Janak teaches online private lessons in guitar, voice, ukulele, bass, and piano, and group voice and guitar classes online (Mondays) and in-person at Fort Mason.

 

• “Every week is challenging, requiring lots of practice in between, but rewarding because skills that seemed impossible when they’re introduced come easily within a couple weeks. The variety and progression by which skills are introduced simply cannot be reproduced in a self-taught environment & the group setting provides the additional motivation to practice during the week. I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon Janak from the beginning and I highly recommend him to anyone similarly looking to learn guitar from the ground up!” – Forbes H.

Paul Sebastian Rodriguez is a Venezuelan musician based in San Francisco. He started learning the guitar at age 10 and has been immersed in diverse musical studies for 20 years now. Curiosity-driven, his self-taught nature led him to curate his own pathway through music over the years, facilitated by select literature, courses, and mentors that helped him shape his vision while focusing on a wide variety of topics, such as music theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, music technology, recording, and production, to name a few, covering many different styles from acoustic to electronic music and everything in between, mixing creative and technical approaches. Eventually, he had the opportunity to develop as an instructor and discovered enormous fulfillment in sharing his experience with others, leading him to continue giving lessons as a private instructor and providing his services to music academies in the last decade, instructing students from many different backgrounds, ages, and levels. He has been a part of different underground music scenes while continuing an ongoing formation, also working on his own compositions and experimenting with creating spaces for free improvisation. His teaching is goal-oriented and student-focused, always making sure to dive into topics of interest, to ease understanding of relevant concepts and acquisition of the necessary skill set, and most importantly to have fun while learning!

Davia Schendel is a San Francisco-born-and-raised musician, songwriter, and artist. She studied theater and music at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, continuing her education at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study where she received her Master’s of Arts with focuses on music, film, and dramatic writing. She has toured the US and has performed for Sofar Sounds, Breaking Sound, and other concert series around the country. Her latest EP, “Through the Deluge,” released in May 2024, received praise in the press. Its lead single “International Orange,” an ode to the Golden Gate Bridge, garnered her a TV appearance on KRON4’s Live! In the Bay. She is currently working on a full-length album, as well as several film-scoring projects. In addition to songwriting and performing, she firmly believes in the power of arts education and has taught music, visual, and performing arts for 7+ years.